Hot cross buns are an Easter staple, but if you’re tired of the classic, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up 11 upgrades—unique add-ins, presentation ideas and even a few ways to spruce up stale leftovers.
Cranberry White Chocolate Macadamia Hot Cross Buns
Instead of traditional currants, try studding your buns with dried cranberries, white chocolate and macadamia nuts.
The Adventure Bite
Pear and Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
This earthy, comforting take on hot cross buns features gooey chocolate chunks and pears.
The Brick Kitchen
Earl Grey Hot Cross Buns
Replace water with strongly brewed earl grey and you end up with this hybrid treat, begging to be served with afternoon tea.
Izy Hossack | The Kitchn
Chocolate and Orange Hot Cross Buns
The classic flavor combo of chocolate and orange adds a little interest to traditional buns.
Marsha’s Baking Addiction
Apple and Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns
These buns are studded with a combination of dried apple and candied apple and doused in a sticky cinnamon glaze. Just get a load of that stunning presentation!
Gourmet Traveller
Over the buns? Try these hot cross bun-inspired recipes.
Hot Cross Bun Loaf
All of the classic flavors you love baked into a single loaf.
Williams Sonoma
Orange and Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Loaf
Another way to transform buns into a loaf, this time maintaining those iconic crosses.
Orange and Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Loaf
Hot Cross Pancakes
Your standard buttermilk pancake gets a hot cross bun twist—cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, currants and citrus zest.
Joy the Baker
Need to dress up store-bought buns or revive stale leftovers?
Hot Cross Bun Pudding
Thirty minutes of soaking before a trip to the oven makes this bread pudding variation ultra moist.
Tasha Seccombe for The Pretty Blog
Hot Cross Bun French Toast
This decadent take on French toast calls for only five ingredients.
Mad Love Food for Food52
Hot Cross Bread and Butter Pudding
How cute are these single-serve ramekins? The perfect way to bake and serve your pudding!
Capital Cooking